MEPS

Marine Ecology Progress Series

MEPS is a leading hybrid research journal on all aspects of marine, coastal and estuarine ecology. Priority is given to outstanding research that advances our ecological understanding.

Online: ISSN 1616-1599

Print: ISSN 0171-8630

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps

Impact Factor2.1 (JCR 2025 release)

Article Acceptance Rate52.2% (2024)

Average Time in Review216 days (2024)

Total Annual Downloads2.989.185 (2025)

Volume contents
Mar Ecol Prog Ser 562:101-111 (2016)

Interactive effects of ocean warming and acidification on sperm motility and fertilization in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

ABSTRACT: Gametes of marine broadcast spawners are highly susceptible to the threats of ocean warming and acidification. Here, we explore the main and interacting effects of temperature and pH changes on sperm motility and fertilization rates in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Additionally, we determine how temperature and pH interact to influence the motility of aging sperm. We show that the interactive effects of temperature (18°C or 24°C) and pH (ranging from 7.6 to 8.0) on sperm motility depend on the time that sperm spend in these conditions. Specifically, sperm linearity was influenced by a temperature × pH interaction when measured after a relatively short exposure to the treatment conditions, while main effects of temperature and pH (but no interaction) on sperm motility became apparent only after prolonged exposure (2 h) to the treatments. Despite the interactive effects of temperature and pH on sperm motility, these factors had independent effects on fertilization rates, which were significantly higher at the ambient ocean pH level and at the elevated temperature. This study highlights the importance of considering the combined effects of predicted ocean changes on sperm motility and fertilization rates, and cautions against using only sperm motility as a proxy for reproductive fitness. Detrimental effects of pH and temperature may only be uncovered when these factors are examined together, or conversely, negative impacts of one variable may be buffered by changes in another. Our results raise the intriguing possibility that some species may cope better with ocean acidification if they simultaneously experience ocean warming.

KEYWORDS

Angela R. Eads (Corresponding Author)
angela.eads@graduate.uwa.edu.au

W. Jason Kennington (Co-author)

Jonathan P. Evans (Co-author)